It's tough to pick a
favorite this week as the major releases offer something for just about everyone
this week with
Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay for comedy,
drama abounds in the surprisingly good Never
Back Down , and of course what ends up being our pick, the
better than it sounds Doomsday.
Release
Date: July 29, 2008 Studio: Universal Pictures Director: Neil Marshall Screenwriter: Neil Marshall Starring: Rhona Mitra, Bob Hoskins, Adrian Lester, Alexander Siddig,
Malcolm McDowell Genre: Action, Thriller MPAA Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, language and some sexual
content/nudity)
Plot Summary: In the action-packed new thriller from writer/director Neil
Marshall ("The Descent"), authorities brutally quarantine a country as it
succumbs to fear and chaos when a virus strikes. The literal walling-off works
for three decades – until the dreaded Reaper virus violently resurfaces in a
major city. An elite group of specialists, captained by Eden Sinclair (Rhona
Mitra), is urgently dispatched into the still-quarantined country to retrieve a
cure by any means necessary. Shut off from the rest of the world, the unit must
battle through a landscape that has become a waking nightmare
Review: A very good debut with Dog Soldiers,
then the even better second film The Descent, and now the cherry on top
called Doomsday. I just got back from seeing this film and it was a wild
and crazy ride from start to finish. Sure it borrows quite a bit from
Escape from New York and Road Warrior, but it is still unique enough to
seperate itself from those movies. Rhona Mitra makes one sexy, tough and
believable action chick. I didn't know if she could pull this kind of
role off, but it worked for me.
Doomsday isn't going to win any awards and it's not better than The
Descent, but if you like your movies with plenty of action and gore,
check it out and prepare to have a blast.
Release Date: July 29, 2008 Studio: New Line Cinema Director: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Screenwriter: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Starring: John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry, Roger Bart, Neil Patrick
Harris Genre: Adventure, Comedy MPAA Rating: R (for strong crude and sexual content, graphic nudity,
pervasive language and drug use)
Plot Summary: "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo" marks the
triumphant return of these two hilarious, slacker anti-heroes. The movie stars
John Cho as Harold and Kal Penn as Kumar, two stoners who can't seem to get a
break. Their last adventure found them traveling across country to find a White
Castle hamburger in order to satisfy a weed-induced case of "the munchies."
This time, the boys get themselves in trouble trying to sneak a bong onboard a
flight to Amsterdam. Now, being suspected of terrorism, they are forced to run
from the law and try to find a way to prove their innocence. What follows is an
irreverent and epic journey of deep thoughts, deeper inhaling and a wild trip
around the world that is as "un-PC" as it gets.
John Cho, Kal Penn, Rob Corddry,
Roger Bart, Neil Patrick Harris. Single disc with rated and unrated
features; two-disc set with rated and unrated feature plus extras.
Extras: Commentary, "The World of Harold and Kumar"
featurette, additional scenes, interactive function that uses new and
alternate scenes to change the course of the film's action
Review:
HAROLD AND KUMAR ESCAPE...is a very funny movie, and I
laughed a great deal. That's a good thing.
It's also sloppy, careless and goes for too many obvious or clichéd
jokes. That's a shame.
It's too bad, because what we have in these two guys is a wonderful
blend of what's best and worst about young Americans. They are smart.
They are multi-ethnic. In general, they are good-hearted and appreciate
the chance to live in America. They're also lazy, self-indulgent and far
too easily distracted by drugs. This makes their movies ripe for social
commentary...more
Release Date: July 29, 2008 Studio: Summit Entertainment Director: Jeff Wadlow Screenwriter: Chris Hauty Starring: Sean Faris, Djimon Hounsou, Cam Gigandet, Amber Heard, Evan
Peters, Wyatt Smith Genre: Action, Drama, Sports MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic material involving intense
sequences of fighting/violence, some sexuality, partying and language - all
involving teens)
Plot Summary:
Set against the action-packed world of Mixed Martial
Arts, "Never Back Down" is the story of Jake Tyler, a tough kid who leads with
his fists, and, often, with his heart. Jake Tyler, played by Sean Faris, is the
new kid in town with a troubled past. He has recently moved to Orlando, Florida
with his family who has relocated to support his younger brother's shot at a
professional tennis career. Jake was a star athlete on the football team at
home, but in this new city he is an outsider with a reputation for being a quick
tempered brawler.
Making an attempt to fit in, at the invitation of a flirtatious classmate, Baja
(Amber Heard) Jake goes to a party where he is unwittingly pulled into a fight
with a bully named Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet). While he is defeated and
humiliated in the fight, a classmate introduces himself to Jake and tells him
about the sport known as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). He sees a star in Jake and
asks that he meet with his mentor, Jean Roqua, played by Djimon Hounsou ("Blood
Diamond," "In America").
It is immediately apparent to Jake that MMA is not street fighting, but rather
an art form he wants to master. Roqua will take Jake under his wing, but it is
up to Jake to find the patience, discipline, willingness and reason within him
to succeed. For Jake, there is much more at stake than mere victory. His
decision will not just settle a score; it will define who he is
Extras:
Deleted scenes, director and cast commentary. Special edition adds
extended version of the film, "Blow by Blow: Breaking Down the Fights
With the Director and MMA Fight Experts," "Mixing It Up: Bringing MMA to
the Big Screen," training webisodes. (Summit
Entertainment).
Review: This is one of the most masculine-positive
films I have ever seen in my entire life! Sure there's a lot of sweat
and hot muscle everywhere you look! But that takes a big back seat to
genuine character development - with the primary focus being on the
muscle on the left side of your chest (Your Heart)! What an incredibly
intelligent story! If only Hollywood could have the courage to do this
more often - A "Fight Club" type movie with zero, I repeat, zero
exploitation or gore! This rare, one-of-kind movie is even suitable for
older children to watch! It is so sophisticated, in fact, I would even
recommend it as an excellent resource for Anger Management classes!...more
Other Releases
Adventures of Johnny Tao
(2007) Matthew Twining, Matt Mullins, Chris Yen, Kelly Perine,
Lindsay Parker, Marianne Muellerleile, Michael Gregory, James
Hong, Jason London. Family-friendly action adventure about a
young man whose prize possession, his father's guitar, is made
of half of an ancient spear; the other half holds a curse and an
evil spirit that unleashes an army of kung-fu, sugar-craving
warriors that only Johnny and a beautiful Chinese warrior can
stop. Extras: Commentary, "An Adventure in the
Making: The Making of Adventures of Johnny Tao," deleted scenes,
music video. (MTI Home Video).
Alice Upside Down
(2007) Alyson Stoner, Luke Perry, Lucas Grabeel, Penny Marshall.
Tween film based on the popular best-selling Alice McKinley
books by Newbery medalist Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, "Alice Upside
Down" tells the story of 11-year-old Alice McKinley, who has
moved to a new town with her widowed dad Ben and teenage brother
Lester, leaving her the only girl in an all male household.
Alice imagines herself cool, confident and popular, but in
reality her life is full of anxiety, awkward moments and
overwhelming challenges. Extras: Interviews,
featurette. (Anchor Bay).
The Band's Visit
(2008 -- Israel) Ronit Elkabetz, Sasson Gabai, Uri Gavriel, Imad
Jabarin, Ahuva Keren, Rubi Moskovitz, Khalifa Natour, Hilla
Sarjon, Eyad Sheety. Extras: Commentary by
director Eran Kolirin, making-of featurette. (Sony).
Birds of Prey: The Complete
Series Four-disc set with 13 episodes about
three female crimefighters in New Gotham City, $39.98. (Warner).
Bobby G: Adventure Capitalist,
Season 1 MOJO HD's reality series about fearless
entrepreneur Bobby "Bobby G" Genovese, $19.98. (Infinity
Entertainment).
Classic British Thrillers
The British Cinematograph Films Act of 1927 was passed to give
motion pictures made in the U.K. an edge over Hollywood imports.
These films, called "quota quickies," provided on-the-job
training for some of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of
British Cinema. This single disc includes three fine pieces of
vintage British cinema: "The Phantom Light," a creepy "quickie"
directed by Michael Powel; "Red Ensign," an expose of corruption
and sabotage in the British shipping industry, directed by
Powel; and "The Upturned Glass," a revenge thriller starring
James Mason as a surgeon turned sleuth. $24.98. (MPI Home
Video).
Dark City Director's Cut
(1998) Dir.: Alex Proyas; Rufus Sewell, Jennifer Connelly,
William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland. The critically-acclaimed
triumph from visionary director Alex Proyas is back with this
new directors cut featuring enhanced picture and sound,
never-before-seen footage and three commentary tracks that take
you deeper than ever before into the world of one of sci-fi's
most exciting and revered tales. When John Murdoch (Rufus
Sewell) wakes with no memory at the scene of a grisly murder he
soon finds himself hunted by the police, a woman claiming to be
his wife and a mysterious group of pale men who seem to control
everything and everyone in the city. Bonus features.
Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (New Line).
Dark Shadows: The Beginning #5
Episodes 144-178 that originally aired from January 12, 1967 to
March 1, 1967; $59.98. (MPI Home Video).
Freakazoid: Season One
Two-disc set with 14 episodes, $26.99. Extras:
"The Original Freak" featurette, commentaries. (Warner).
The Hills: The Complete Third
Season Four-disc set with 28 episodes, $39.99.
Extras: Deleted scenes, interviews, commentary,
"Virtual Hills," more. (Paramount).
A History of Britain: The
Complete Collection Five-disc set of the BBC
series, $39.95. (A&E Home Video).
Joe Louis: America's Hero ...
Betrayed (2005) In-depth HBO Sports documentary
on the boxing legend, $19.98. (HBO Video).
The Lost Boys: The
Tribe (2008) Corey Feldman, Corey Haim, Autumn Reeser,
Tad Hilgenbrink. Direct-to-DVD sequel. Also available on Blu-ray
Disc. (Warner).
Love Story
(2005) Feature-length documentary about the legendary Los
Angeles band Love, and their singer, Arthur Lee. Features the
last-ever interviews with band leader Lee, plus interviews with
all the surviving original band members and music execs. Also
includes rare band footage. (Start Productions).
Marigold
(2007) Ali Larter, Salman Khan. Stranded and broke in India
after the financing flops on her low-budget film, feisty B-list
actress Marigold Lexton lands a role in a musical, where she has
a whirlwind romance with the production's choreographer. Musical
comedy. (Echo Bridge Home Entertainment).
Masters of Horror Season Two
Box Set All 13 episodes of the second season of
the blood-chilling Showtime anthology series, housed in a
specially designed, limited edition "skull" package. $86.97.
Extras: Commentaries from the filmmakers,
behind-the-scenes featurettes, still and storyboard galleries,
trailers, screenplays (DVD-ROM), more. (Anchor Bay).
Parking Wars: The Best of
Season One The best from the A&E series about
the ticket-givers of the Philadelphia Parking Authority; $12.95.
(A&E Home Video).
Robin Hood: Season Two
(2006 - U.K. TV) Five-disc set with 13 episodes of the BBC
America series, $99.98. (Warner).
Robin of Sherwood: The
Complete Collection (1984-86) Ten volume set
with all 26 episodes of the British series that is a definitive
retelling -- with gritty period realism -- of the Robin Hood
legend; $99.99. Extras: Two bonus discs with
four documentaries, behind-the-scenes footage, more. (Acorn
Media).
The Strauss Family
(1972) Two-disc set of the eight-part British miniseries about
the first family of 19th century music, starring Derek Jacobi
and Jane Seymour, with glorious renditions of the Strauss' works
by the London Symphony Orchestra; $29.95. (A&E Home Video).
64 Zoo Lane
Feature-length animation about the adventures of a little girl
who lives next door to a zoo and who, every night, slides down
the neck of Georgina the giraffe to listen to one of the
animal's stories. The series currently airs on Nickelodeon Jr.'s
Noggin network for preschoolers. $14.98. (PorchLight
Entertainment)
Special Needs
(2006) Mockumentary about a flamboyant TV producer and his bully
sidekicks who want to produce a reality TV show featuring
physically and mentally disabled contestants. (Troma).
Stargate: Continuum
(2008) Second direct-to-video (DVD and Blu-ray) "Stargate SG-1"
feature. Extras: Commentary by executive
producer/writer Brad Wright and director Martin Wood, "The
Making of Stargate: Continuum" featurette, "Stargate Goes to the
Arctic" featurette, "The Layman's Guide to Time Travel"
featurette. (MGM).
Shine a Light
(2008) Dir.: Martin Scorsese; documentary about The Rolling
Stones. Extras: Four bonus Rolling Stones
performances not seen in theaters, featurette with a
behind-the-scenes look at The Stones rehearsing on stage at New
York's Beacon Theater, candid moments with the band and
celebrity guests, archival footage not included in the feature
film. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.
(Paramount).
Tai Chi Master
(1993 -- Hong Kong) Dir.: Yuen Woo-Ping; Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh,
Chin Siu Ho, Fennie Yuen, Yuen Cheung Yan, Lau Shun. After two
martial arts students and best friends are expelled from the
legendary temple of Shaolin, they meet again as mortal enemies
on the battlefield -- one a power-hungry general, the other a
freedom-fighting rebel. Extras: Commentary by
Hong Kong cinema expert Bey Logan, "Nemesis" exclusive interview
with star Chin Siu-ho," "The Birthplace of Tai-Chi" on location
in Chen Village," "The Man, The Myth" celebrity tribute to
martial arts superstar Jet Li, "Anatomy of a Classic" with
celebrated film critic Elvis Mitchell, "The Master"
retrospective of the career of action-legend Jet Li. (The
Weinstein Co./Genius Products/Dragon Dynasty).
Tiny Toon Adventures: Season
1, Volume 1 Four-disc set with 35 episodes from
the animated programs first season, $44.98. Extras:
"From Wacky Tunes to Tiny Toons: A Looney Evolution" featurette.
(Warner).
Two Fat Ladies
(1997) Four-disc set with all 24 episodes of the most popular
cooking show in BBC history that was also a Food Network hit in
the U.S. Two oversized women jump aboard a classic motorcycle
and sidecar and travel all over Britain, preparing meals for
nuns, cricketers, diplomats, lumberjacks and an odd assortment
of others; $59.99. (Acorn Media).
Tyrone Power Matinee Idol
Collection Five-disc set with "Cafe Metropole,"
"Day-Time Wife," "Girl's Dormitory," "I'll Never Forget You,"
"Johnny Apollo," "Love Is News," "Luck of the Irish," "Second
Honeymoon," "That Wonderful Urge" and "This Above All"; $49.98.
(Fox).
Day-Time Wife
(1939) Tyrone Power, Wendy Barrie, Linda Darnell, Warren
William. Extras: "My Dad, Tyrone Powers"
featurette, behind-the-scenes stills gallery, production
gallery.
Girl's Dormitory
(1936) Tyrone Power, Simone Simon. Extras:
"Tyrone Power, Prince of Fox" featurette, advertising
gallery, production gallery.
I'll Never Forget You (AKA
The House in the Square) (1951) Tyrone
Power, Beatrice Campbell. Extras:
Advertising gallery, lobby cards gallery, "See England With
Ann Blyth" gallery, production gallery.
Johnny Apollo
(1940) Tyrone Power, Lloyd Nolan, Dorothy Lamour.
Extras: Advertising gallery.
Love Is News
(1937) Tyrone Power, Loretta Young. Extras:
"Ty and Loretta: Sweethearts of the Silver Screen"
featurette, advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery,
production gallery.
Luck of the Irish
(1948) Tyrone Power, Cecil Kellaway, Anne Baxter, Lee J.
Cobb, Jayne Meadows. Extras: Two viewing
versions: green tinted and black and white, "Jayne Meadows
Remembers" featurette, advertising gallery,
behind-the-scenes gallery, production gallery.
Second Honeymoon
(1937) Tyrone Power, Loretta Young, Lyle Talbot.
Extras: Still gallery.
That Wonderful Urge
(1948) Tyrone Power, Gene Tierney. Extras:
Advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production
gallery.
This Above All
(1942) Tyrone Power, Joan Fontaine. Extras:
Advertising gallery, behind-the-scenes gallery, production
gallery.
WarGames: 25th Anniversary
Edition (1983) Dir.: John Badham; Matthew
Broderick, Dabney Coleman, John Wood, Ally Sheedy, Barry Corbin.
Extras: Commentary by director John Badham and
writers Lawrence Lasker and Walter F. Parkes; "Loading WarGames"
documentary; "Attack of the Hackers" featurette; "Inside NORAD:
Cold War Fortress" featurette; "Tic Tac Toe: A True Story"
featurette; menu-driven interactive superpower weapons briefing
gallery. (MGM).
WarGames: The Dead Code
(2008) Matt Lanter, Colm Feore. Sequel to the 1983 smash. The government
is keeping a watchful eye on Will Farmer, a computer hacker who engages
a super-computer named Ripley in an online terrorist-attack simulation
game that is designed specifically to profile potential threats to the
United States. When Homeland Security becomes convinced that Farmer is a
potential threat, he must do all in his power to clear his name and end
the game. Extras: Commentary by director Stuart Gillard
and actor Matt Lanter, "The Making of Wargames: The Dead Code"
featurette, photo gallery. (MGM).
The Wiggles: You Make Me Feel
Like Dancing (20058) Latest outing from the pre-schoolers
' favorite band offers 20 new songs to get the little ones up
and moving. Features special guest Leo Sayers. (Warner).
Witchblade
Seven-disc set with 24 episodes, $69.98. Extras:
Featurettes, casting sessions, more. (Warner).
A Woman of Independent Means
(1995) Two-disc set of the miniseries starring Sally Field,
$29.95. (A&E Home Video).
